Weekend Camp is Saturday, August 27th at 10am through Monday, August 29th at 11am.

This year, we are offering Day Camp on both Saturday and Sunday, 10am up to 9pm.

Information, as well as an application and a list of frequently asked questions can be found on the website http://www.AphasiaNetwork.org. Learn more, watch a video or read stories from past campers. If you have additional questions, about camp, email us at camp@aphasianetwork.org or call Gabrielle at (503) 314-5462 or Suzanne at (503) 577-1282.” (Aphasia Network)

One way to reduce the chance of having a stroke is to consider the chance of clotting, and doing what you can to avoid clotting. “Am I at Risk for a Clot?” discusses the 9 hidden dangers of blood clots. For information: Am I at Risk for a Clot

Are you disabled by aphasia stroke? Did you know there is an “Aging and Disability Resources” office in your county? Call 1-800-677-1116 or go to http://www.eldercare.gov to find the local location.

From Leslie Rigg, representative of the Northwest Regional Council, the Peace Stroke Support Group learned ADR serves as a resource hub of information about in-home care, medical information, caregiver support, housing, residential care options and general resources. Need to know about property tax exemption, a power of attorney, a living well, an advance directive, transportation, disabilities parking permits . . . Give them a try. They should be able to inform you and refer you to the right people.

Carl McIntyre’s movie, “Aphasia” is a winner. One out of 250 people in the United Stated have aphasia, but very few have heard of it. Have you? Do you feel awkward when you come across a brain impaired person who cannot speak? Wonder if they are intelligent? Wonder if they understood you? Wish you understood them? Wish you could help them, but don’t know where to begin? Then watch the movie “Aphasia”.

I first watched “Aphasia” with other aphasic survivors at a University of Washington support group meeting. The star, Carl McIntyre, plays himself documenting his aphasic stroke. From the onset, the audience is brought into the predicaments he faced – from pathos to triumph, tears to laughter. Each of us had been there; each empathetic to his plight.

When Carl’s is not comfortable listening to the babbling din in a large group, we remember. The undecipherable word sounds in his empty language center had been the same for us.

When Carl is hurtfully ridiculed because of his brain impairment, we feel his pain. Even unintentional slights were insults.

When Carl has difficulty operating a phone, we remember how difficult it had been for us.

When credit agencies call about past due payments, we share his anxiety. How will his family manage without his income?

When Carl drives through a drive-by to order a Frosty only to remember he is not able to speak, we chuckle. On similar occasion we’d forgotten our speechlessness and had been rudely reminded of our limits.

When the word “when” shows its face on a flash card presented to Carl by his speech therapist, we hold our breath and I grimace. At this point, I pause . . . until the next post when I will expound on the troublesome “when” word.

In the meantime, check out Carl McIntyre. Find a copy of “Aphasia”. Watch it. Share it with your family, groups and medical personnel who come into contact with aphasic people. Spread the word.

When aphasia and paralysis struck Mark McEwen from a stroke, his wife Denise became his caregiver. Her advice to others is that it’s best to ignore naysayers. Be inspired by reading the article “Wife of popular television personality shares what she’s learned as a caregiver”. It was presented in the American Heart Association “Your Winter 2015 Issue”.

Aphasia recovery requires networking among survivors and caregivers. I was impressed with Aphasia Recovery Connection, an on-line support group organization. It is written by two young aphasic people with help from their supporters. The written format is simple for those who’s aphasia leaves them with reading impairment. Video presentations address the need to communicate with those who cannot read at all. Extras also include announcements of aphasia conferences and cruises. Caregivers and survivors, check out their site and see if you agree with me.